Automation of an on-chip cell mechanical characterization system for stiffness evaluation

We present an automation system for on-chip cell mechanical characterization system for evaluating the stiffness of oocytes. A high frequency visual feedback control system is proposed. Using simple yet effective image analysis algorithms, the high frequency visual feedback is able to improve the response of the cell manipulation, the throughput of the system is improved consequently. To measure the stiffness of the oocytes, a microfluidic chip with magnetically driven on-chip probe and a thin beam based force sensor is used [1].